Scientology Accused of Pressuring Removal of YouTube Video and Abusive Searches of the Homes of Critics

Scientology is again under criticism over the alleged pressure to remove the video below of Jason Beghe explaining why he left the church and how actors like Tom Cruise and John Travolta allegedly believe that they are now a new species. At the same time, the Internet has seen an explosion of videos alleging highly abusive uses of copyright laws by Scientology lawyers to harass and search leading critics.

It is not clear is Beghe’s video was taken down due to pressure or past problems regarding copyright questions. This video still appears on YouTube. However, as noted here YouTube remains strangely unresponsive to such concerns. The reputation of the church for heavy handed measures against critics immediately triggers such concerns when someone like Beghe has material withdrawn. Google was recently accused of caving into the church over a promotional video by Cruise, as discussed here. It doesn’t seem to work since the video is available here. Beghe was once a celebrity advocate of the church.

The Church is also the subject of this video alleging searches of the homes and computers of leading critics.